Costa del Sol Guide

Family Activities

Things for the whole family to do with children on the Costa del Sol

The Spanish are very much a family orientated country and there is no shortage of things to do with children on the Costa del Sol.

Below we have tried to put togther as much information as possible about things for families to do when visiting the Costa del Sol. Please note that any prices and opening times are subject to change and are correct at time of publishing. Please check before you visit to confirm opening times and prices.

Fuengirola Zoo (Zoo de Fuengirola) – This is now callled Bioparc Fuengirola)
Calle Camilo Jose Cela 6, Fuengirola
Telephone: 00 34 952 66 63 01
Open daily 10am to 12pm
Entrance: Children (3 to 9 years 8,60 euros, Adults 12,30 euros

Fuengirola Zoo (Bioparc) is situated just 2 minutes from Fuengirola bus station and the train station and has been cleverly designed to provide much entertainment for the whole family. On site you will find cafes, restaurants, childrens paly area and souvenir shops.

Lobo Park (Wolf Park)
On the Antequera – Alora Road km 16
Telephone: 00 34 952 03 11 07
Open 10am to 8pm
Entrance: Children 4,50 euros and Adults 6,50 euros

As the name suggests a park dedicated to many breeds of wolves in their natural environment. On site there is a cafe a petting zoo and horse riding.

Selwo Marina
Next to the Parque de Las Palomas
Open 10am til dusk
Entrance: Under 2′s free, Children 3 to 7 years old 9,90 euros, Adults 13,90 euros

This was the first dolphin centre Andalucia. It also has an area called the ice living station where you can watch sea lions and penguins.

Seal Life Centre
Darsena de Poniente, Puerto Marina, Benalmadena
Telephone Number: 00 34 952 56 01 50
Open 10am to 12pm

A great day out for the family where you can see over 2,000 sea creatures in mock up versions of their own environments.

Selwo Adventure Park
On the N340 km 162.5, Las Lomas del Monte, Estepona
Telephone: 00 34 952 79 21 50
Open 10am until dusk
See their website for more information

Selwo Adventure Park near Estepona is a fantastic day out for all the family. There are many animals to see including elephants, tigers, lions and giraffes. Anyone that likes an old fashioned safari style adventure park will love this place.

ANCRAA Giant Donkeys
Leave N340 at km 164 Las Dunas and follow the signs for the ANCRAA breeding sanctuary located at Finca Los Pajaritos, Estepona
See their site for more details

If you have ever dreamed of cuddling a giant donkey then this is the place to come.

El Refugio del Burrito (The Donkey Sanctuary)
Situated 40 minutes north of Malaga on the Antequrea road. Then follow signs for Sevilla taking the A92 motorway. At junction 132 exit and head towards the lakes at Fuente de Piedra. Finally take the track which is opposite the Guardia Civil

Go visit this beautiful setting which is now a safe haven for many ill treated donkeys and mules which ahve been rescued.

Crocodile Park
Calle Cuba 14, Torremolinos
Telephone Number: 00 34 952 05 17 82
Open daily the whole year from 10am to 7pm
Entrance: Kid under 4 free, Children 4 to 12 years 6 euros, Adults 8,50 euros.
Special note: Children under the age of 12 years old are not permitted on their own and must be accompanied by an adult

You could be mistaken for thinking you have just walked into deepest Africa. See these crocodiles up close and if you are lucky, you might see the star attraction “big daddy” a monster of a croc measuring some 4.6 meters and weighing in at a staggering 60 kg. On site there is a restaurant / bar, play area for kids under 5 and outdoor paly area for kids of all ages and a gift shop.

Tivoli World Theme Park
Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena
Telephone Number: 00 34 952 57 70 16
Open every every day from 1pm until 10pm except on Saturdays when it is open until 12pm
Entrance: Children under 1 mtr high free, otherwise 4,50 euros

Lots of rides and themed rides for the whole family. There are special performances for the children and special rate day passes to allow access to as many rides as you wish for no extra cost.

Fly Blue – Dolphin Trips
We went on the 5 hour trip recently and were very impressded with the entire day. You can pick up the catamaran at either Marbella or Puerto Banus but you must book in adavnce. We chose Puerto Banus and got on the catamaran at 11.00am. We then set off in the direction of Gibraltar. There was a weather warning so we anchored near Estepona for the speed boat to be lowerd where you can ride the inflatable banana. Lunch was served at this time too (earlier than usual due to the weather front) after which we were able to leap of the boat and have a swim.

Once the food was eaten, which incidently was fine. Not a gastonomic delight but hearty tuna and vegetable rice, pasta salad, homemade coleslaw and chicken followed by water melon.

There was also a FREE bar for an hour for sangria, beer, water and soft drinks.

Once finished and the speed boat was safely back in place we had good news, the weather front would not materialise so we headed off in search of dolphins.

Success some were spotted to the side of the boat so the engines were shut off and we were all delighted to watch some dolphins play in their natural environment.

There are different packages available and there is a choice of 3 hour or 5 hour trips. See their website www.fly-blue.com for additional information and how to book.